The Wadden Sea is a unique sedimentary environment of utmost importance as a coastal wetland, recognized as a national park and UNSECO world heritage site. It is located at the land-sea transition and is highly susceptible to continuous change due to the interaction of physical processes and biological factors. This constant change determines a high degree of diversity with regard to the large-scale geomorphology of deeply incised tidal channels, elevated sandy shoals and wide salt-marshes. These landforms are the basic framework for the distribution and characteristics of habitats, which are home to numerous plants and animal species.
The project focusses of the Sylt-Rømø Bight, which is located on the border between Denmark and Germany in the south-eastern North Sea. The overall aim is to study, map and monitor the spatial distribution, characteristics and temporal variability of benthic habitats and to determine the parameters leading to change. Methodologically, we use an interdisciplinary approach to collect and compile area-wide and high-resolution spatial information on the characteristics of the sea-floor using state-of-the-art optical and hydroacoustic sensors.
Contact: Dr. Lasse Sander